This home page is intended to create a space where useful information about Assistive Technology can be shared with others.
My Philosophy of Technology in Education-
Technology in education has created opportunities for many students to become engaged in the world of learning and discovery. One of the misconceptions about technology is that it it is " sophisticated", "complicated" and "costly". Actually, a technological tool can range from "low-tech" pencil grips or slant boards, to "high-tech" augmentative commuication devices or instructional software. The diversity of technological options has widened the range of potential users, and has expanded the ways in which teachers can instruct a variety of students. Technology assists all students, but especially those with disabilities. Our job as educators is to make sure that our students receive the most appropriate assistive technology available. This means that we need to be informed about the wide array of products that are being offered for the specific needs of the students we are serving.
Useful websites about Assistive Technology-
www.cac.org This website has information about the agency now known as EmpowerTech (formally Computer Access Center). Its mission is to "train, support, and empower people with physical and developmental disabilities through computer-related assitive
technology." They also provide resources and links to websites that offer AT products and services.
www.lburkhart.com This website is run by my children's former elementary school principal. Her home page is titled, "Simplified Technology". There is a great deal of information available: AT and AAC Basics; handouts; books and products; vendor lists; and web links. She discusses how technology can be integrated into both elementary and middle school classrooms. www.edc.org/FSC/NCIP The National Center to Improve Practice is "an online workshop and guided tour of early childhood classrooms set up with assitive technology." The issues of students with disabilites are discussed; AT resources and weblinks are extensive.
www.ataccess.org This site was created by the Alliance for Technology Access. This a resource list of developers and distributors of products, services and devices for AT.
www.educationworld.com Just click on "tech intergration" at the top of the page. This section includes: "tech tips", " techtorials", "on the internet", "using technology", " Web Quests", "tech in the classroom" . A lot of resources are available for teachers.
Useful websites about literacy and content- area learning-
www.bookadventure.org This site includes a free reading incentive program for students in grades K-8. There are also recommended reading lists available; students can create their own book lists.
www.scholastic.com/kids Interactive site that includes games, learning and reading activities, software reviews, the Magic School Bus.
www.kidsknowit.com. This is a free educational learning site that has a huge selection of topics: animals, astronomy, biology, geography, math, memory, spelling, etc. It has great graphics and information, as well as activites and games. AT Devices and Software that help teaching and learning math skills-
AT Related Articles- www.ldonline.org/article/9924 This article is entitled,"Boosting Inclusion in After School Activities with AT and Supplemental Devices". I recommend this article because it addresses the social implications of disability in schools, and finding ways to include disabled students in extracurricular activities. They discuss how AT devices can be utilized in theater, music, academic clubs, and athletics.
www.post-gazette.com/pg/07144/788463.56.stm This article," Classrooms of the Future", discusses the use of interactive wireless computers by students and teachers during class in high school. The school claims that it has increased the pace of instruction as well as enhanced student learning.
How to use Wikispace-
I intend to use this homepage as a way of collaborating with a network of co-learners. As I gain more experience in the classroom, I will be able to provide more resources that will be of use to those interested in assistive technology. I believe that Wikispaces offers teachers the ability to communicate in "real time", allowing the most current information to be accessed by all users. Because the field of assisitive technology is rapidly changing and growing, it will be helpful to check in with other teachers to gain their perspective on new and interesting products.
Plans for increased knowledge of AT and homepage content usability-
I plan on learning more about the uses of AT in schools by continued observations, online support, such as Wikispaces, consultation with teachers experienced in AT, workshops and current articles related to the field. As I continue on my educational path, I will add more content to this page.
Goal-
This home page is intended to create a space where useful information about Assistive Technology can be shared with others.
My Philosophy of Technology in Education-
Technology in education has created opportunities for many students to become engaged in the world of learning and discovery. One of the misconceptions about technology is that it it is " sophisticated", "complicated" and "costly". Actually, a technological tool can range from "low-tech" pencil grips or slant boards, to "high-tech" augmentative commuication devices or instructional software. The diversity of technological options has widened the range of potential users, and has expanded the ways in which teachers can instruct a variety of students. Technology assists all students, but especially those with disabilities. Our job as educators is to make sure that our students receive the most appropriate assistive technology available. This means that we need to be informed about the wide array of products that are being offered for the specific needs of the students we are serving.
Useful websites about Assistive Technology-
www.cac.org
This website has information about the agency now known as EmpowerTech (formally Computer Access Center). Its mission is to "train, support, and empower people with physical and developmental disabilities through computer-related assitive
technology." They also provide resources and links to websites that offer AT products and services.
www.lburkhart.com
This website is run by my children's former elementary school principal. Her home page is titled, "Simplified Technology". There is a great deal of information available: AT and AAC Basics; handouts; books and products; vendor lists; and web links. She discusses how technology can be integrated into both elementary and middle school classrooms.
www.edc.org/FSC/NCIP
The National Center to Improve Practice is "an online workshop and guided tour of early childhood classrooms set up with assitive technology." The issues of students with disabilites are discussed; AT resources and weblinks are extensive.
www.ataccess.org
This site was created by the Alliance for Technology Access. This a resource list of developers and distributors of products, services and devices for AT.
www.educationworld.com
Just click on "tech intergration" at the top of the page. This section includes: "tech tips", " techtorials", "on the internet", "using technology", " Web Quests", "tech in the classroom" . A lot of resources are available for teachers.
Useful websites about literacy and content- area learning-
www.bookadventure.org
This site includes a free reading incentive program for students in grades K-8. There are also recommended reading lists available; students can create their own book lists.
www.scholastic.com/kids
Interactive site that includes games, learning and reading activities, software reviews, the Magic School Bus.
www.kidsknowit.com.
This is a free educational learning site that has a huge selection of topics: animals, astronomy, biology, geography, math, memory, spelling, etc. It has great graphics and information, as well as activites and games.
AT Devices and Software that help teaching and learning math skills-
Modified paper- enlarged, raised line, graph paper
Talking calculator with speech output (www.independentliving.com)
Calculators with large print, keypad, embossed output (Braille N Speak)
Computer based on-screen calculator
Adapted measuring devices (speech output, large print, tactile output)
www.multiplication.com
www.studyworks.com
www.flashblaster.com
Mathpad (www.intellitools.com)
Access to Math (www.donjohnston.com)
AT Related Articles-
www.ldonline.org/article/9924
This article is entitled,"Boosting Inclusion in After School Activities with AT and Supplemental Devices". I recommend this article because it addresses the social implications of disability in schools, and finding ways to include disabled students in extracurricular activities. They discuss how AT devices can be utilized in theater, music, academic clubs, and athletics.
www.post-gazette.com/pg/07144/788463.56.stm
This article," Classrooms of the Future", discusses the use of interactive wireless computers by students and teachers during class in high school. The school claims that it has increased the pace of instruction as well as enhanced student learning.
How to use Wikispace-
I intend to use this homepage as a way of collaborating with a network of co-learners. As I gain more experience in the classroom, I will be able to provide more resources that will be of use to those interested in assistive technology. I believe that Wikispaces offers teachers the ability to communicate in "real time", allowing the most current information to be accessed by all users. Because the field of assisitive technology is rapidly changing and growing, it will be helpful to check in with other teachers to gain their perspective on new and interesting products.
Plans for increased knowledge of AT and homepage content usability-
I plan on learning more about the uses of AT in schools by continued observations, online support, such as Wikispaces, consultation with teachers experienced in AT, workshops and current articles related to the field. As I continue on my educational path, I will add more content to this page.